In a bid to boost security and manage seller identification, street vendors in Najafgarh’s vegetable market have been mandated to display their names and phone numbers on their carts. The local BJP councillor Amit Kharkhari, along with the market association, introduced this new rule, citing security concerns and a need to address complaints regarding the presence of “unidentified sellers,” including alleged illegal Bangladeshi and Rohingya migrants.
As part of the directive, the Najafgarh Vyapar Mandal, led by president Santosh Rajput, will oversee the issuance of unique vendor numbers and conduct an identity verification process using official documentation, such as the Aadhar card. Rajput emphasized that this policy is primarily intended to ensure a safe and organized market environment. “This move aims to improve the system in the vegetable market. With vendors’ names and contact details displayed, any buyer with a grievance can reach out, and it will allow us to identify any unauthorized sellers,” he stated, adding that the association plans to forward any unverified cases to the police and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).
The verification process is set to be completed by November 20, and unverified vendors or those who fail to display their nameplates will no longer be allowed to sell their produce in the market.
While the rule is intended to enhance security, it has prompted discussions around discrimination, given the broader context. Local authorities emphasize, however, that the rule does not target specific communities. Previous similar mandates in Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh were rolled back following criticisms that they unfairly targeted minority groups. Despite these concerns, the Najafgarh market association insists that the new rule is for maintaining a “safe and organized market for all.”